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The complete guide to Cork’s colleges and universities
Everything you need to know about Cork’s four main colleges – UCC, MTU, Griffith College and Cork College of FET – to make the most informed choice.
Things to do in Cork: a student’s guide
Weighing up a move to Cork? Or maybe you’ve already made the switch to Ireland’s second-biggest city? If so, great choice! Along with having some excellent colleges and universities, Cork offers plenty in the way of entertainment – especially if you’re a student.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a complete list of things to do in Cork. From medieval castles and traditional Irish eats to indie music festivals and late-night comedy, there’s truly something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Arts & culture
Like to spend your time at the theatre or wandering around a museum? Good news: Cork has a rich cultural scene with plenty of exhibitions dotted around the city and a packed performing arts calendar.
Crawford Municipal Art Gallery
Top of the list for art lovers, Crawford Municipal Art Gallery is one of the biggest galleries in Ireland outside of Dublin. It houses over 3,500 paintings, sculptures and other works from Irish artists dating back to the 18th century.
Not only that, but admission is completely free! At the moment, though, the gallery is being redeveloped and won’t open until 2027, so you may have to wait before seeing its impressive collection.
Cork Opera House
Concerts, dance productions, comedy shows – you’ll find all this and more at Cork Opera House. Based in the heart of the city, the 1000-seater venue serves as southern Ireland’s premier destination for live entertainment.
With multiple events taking place every week, it can be a good idea to sign up to the venue’s mailing list. That way, you’ll be the first to know when your favourite artist is in town!
Triskel Arts Centre
Another venue with an eclectic events calendar, Triskel Arts Centre simultaneously serves as an art gallery, independent cinema and concert hall. The main auditorium is housed in a refurbished neoclassical Georgian Church, which only adds to the appeal.
While Cork Opera House brings in the big names, Triskel Arts Centre caters towards smaller, local acts, as well as independent cinema from around the world. This is reflected in the ticket prices, which are generally very affordable.
Food & drink
Ireland’s unofficial food capital, Cork has an amazing food and drink scene that might just edge Dublin’s. That reputation is largely owed to its wide array of delicious local produce, with the city famous for its jams, cheeses and seafood.
The English Market
Probably the most popular thing to do in Cork City, the historic English Market is the perfect place to sample local cuisine. Set inside a stunning Victorian heritage building, this covered market opened way back in 1788 and is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.
Strolling by the stalls, you’ll find everything from fresh breads, fruits and vegetables to deli meats and smoked fish. If you need a timeout, there are also cafes serving up hot drinks and baked goodies.
Restaurants
There’s a great mix of places to eat out in Cork, ranging from fine dining to casual bites. Paradiso has built a reputation as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Europe, though it may not be suited to every student’s budget.
Market Lane, Liberty Grill and SpitJack – all serving a mix of international dishes and classic Irish foods – are three mid-priced options where a gourmet-quality meal is guaranteed. Beyond that, check out Bunsen and Son of a Bun for their delicious, affordable burgers.
Microbreweries
Beer drinkers are spoilt for choice when it comes to craft beers and microbreweries. Based on the site of an old Franciscan monastery, Franciscan Well Brewery is probably the biggest name of them all and serves up an excellent range of craft beers.
Guests can tour the brewery, pour their own pint and enjoy delicious homemade pizza out in the beer garden. Another brewery worth shouting out is Rising Sons Brewery, which has its own line of craft beers and is great for catching live sport.
Want to learn more about university life in the Emerald Isle? Check out our article on what Ireland a great place to study!
History
Cork is packed with historic sites, many of which you’ll stumble across simply by walking through the city. Each site reveals a part of Cork’s ancient past – and some are even said to be haunted by ghosts!
Cork City Gaol
Curious to know what it was like to be a prisoner in 19th century Ireland? For nearly 100 years, Cork City Goal housed a mix of well-known revolutionaries and petty criminals. It’s now open to the public for tours.
The structure of the building is incredibly striking and resembles a grand old castle, but don’t let this fool you about the conditions inside: prisoners were made to endure terrible hardship. It’s without a doubt one of Cork’s most interesting – albeit eerie – experiences.
Blarney Castle
Around a 20-minute drive from Cork, Blarney Castle (and Blarney Stone) is one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. This medieval castle dates back to 1446 when it was built by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac Maccarthy.
Through the years, thousands of people have flocked to the site to kiss the Blarney Stone. Why? The legend goes that it grants ‘the gift of the gab’. Who knows, it may come in handy when persuading your professors to take a favourable view of your essays!
Cobh Heritage Centre
Another site based just outside of Cork but well worth the visit, Cobh Heritage Centre tells the heart-wrenching story of Irish emigration to the USA and other parts of the world during the Great Famine.
You’ll also learn about Ireland’s maritime history, with Cobh serving as a key shipping port and final stopping point of the Titanic before its ill-fated journey across the Atlantic.
Nightlife
Whether you’re looking for live music, activity bars or late-night clubbing, Ireland’s ‘Rebel City’ has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife. It’s a key part of student life in Cork, with the main student nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Pubs & bars
Cork has plenty of pubs spread throughout the city centre where you grab a Guinness (or a locally brewed Murphy’s!) after a long day of study. These range from old-school pubs with traditional live music to modern bars with DJs spinning club classics.
With so many pubs and bars to pick from – Costigan's, The Oval, Sin É and Gallagher’s to name a few – joining a guided pub crawl can be a good way to find your favourite while also meeting fellow students.
Nightclubs
Hitting the town for a big night out? Cork has plenty of student-friendly nightclubs where you can party until the early hours. A session at Voodoo Rooms, where you’ll get nonstop pop classics, is a rite of passage for any student.
For a more sophisticated night out, head to Le Cabaret which combines Parisian decor with cocktails and live music. Just be aware that some clubs have age restrictions on weekends, so it’s best to stick to Tuesdays and Thursdays when heading out.
Comedy clubs
If you don’t fancy being on your feet all night, Cork has an excellent comedy scene with several clubs showcasing both local and international acts. City Limits has been open since the 90s and is the city’s premier destination for comedy.
Another great option is CoCo Comedy Club, which is located on the upper floor of The Roundy pub and hosts shows three days a week. You can even grab a pizza from the kitchen downstairs inbetween sets! What’s not to like?
Festivals
From music and sports to arts and culture, Cork has a packed festival calendar catering to all sorts of interests. Many of these events can be enjoyed free of charge, so there’s no reason not to attend!
Cork Pride
One of the largest LGBTQ+ festivals in Ireland, Cork Pride is a week-long celebration that takes place either in late July or early August and transforms the city streets with colourful parades, live entertainment and cultural events.
Attendance has grown steadily over the years and now attracts crowds that rival the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Events run throughout the week, culminating in a big parade on the Sunday.
Cork Jazz Festival
Cork is also home to Ireland’s biggest and longest-standing jazz festival. A fixture of the city’s live music calendar since 1978, Cork Jazz Festival (sponsored by Guiness, obviously) draws crowds of up to 100,000 people.
Performances from some of the biggest name in jazz take place across the course of five days in venues ranging from street corners and small bars to large outdoor stages. Best of all, most of the shows are free!
Cork Midsummer Festival
Food, visual arts, live performance – Cork Midsummer Festival has a bit of everything. This all-encompassing arts festival runs over two weeks in June and has a packed programme featuring some amazing local talent.
Expect plenty of pulsating street performances, including theatre productions, dance troupes and up-and-coming indie bands. Again, you can enjoy many of the events for free and with the festival taking place across the city, it’s hard to miss!
Outdoors
Need a break from the city? Cork has lots of green space both in the city centre and the surrounding countryside. Not only that, but it’s also a stone’s throw from one of the world’s largest natural harbours where there’s an almost endless list of things to do.
Cork Harbour
The historic Cork Harbour is incredibly popular for days out, especially in the summer when it’s bathed in sunshine. You can get there fairly easily from Cork by taking a 30-minute train ride to Cobh.
Besides taking in the views, you can grab a group of friends and take to the waters in a motorboat or go solo in a kayak. There’s also plenty of options for cruises if you’d rather put your feet up!
Fitzgerald Park
If you’re studying at University College Cork (UCC), you’ll likely become very familiar with Fitzgerald Park. This 18-acre park has some lovely views of the River Lee and is just across the way from the UCC campus.
Not only is it great for strolling, picnics and reading, but it’s also home to Cork Public Museum where you can learn more about the history of your new home and grab a coffee at the adjacent cafe.
Fota Wildlife Park
Ever thought you’d come across a kangaroo in Ireland? One of Ireland’s top-rated attractions, Fota Wildlife Park is a sprawling, 100-acre conservation park that’s home to a variety of exotic and endangered animals.
The park sits just outside of Cork City but is well connected by train, with the journey taking around 15 minutes. It’s definitely worth visiting and unlike anything else you’re likely to experience during your time in Ireland!
Shopping
Whether you need to refresh your wardrobe or kit out your student digs with some new furniture, Cork has lots of options for shopping ranging from big-name brands to independent boutiques.
St. Patrick's Street
The main shopping thoroughfare in Cork, St. Patrick’s Street is where you’ll find high-street retailers and department stores like Marks & Spencer, Brown Thomas, Dunnes, Penneys and Flannels.
Some of these stores are located in Merchants Quay Shopping Centre, which sits at the northern end of St. Patrick’s Street near the River Lea. There’s also plenty of cafes and restaurants dotted throughout the street in case you need a bite to eat.
Want to save on your shopping? Check out our guide on the best student discounts in Cork!
Opera Lane
Opera Lane is another popular shopping destination which spills out from St. Patrick’s Street. Perfect for a cheeky spending spree, this fully pedestrianised street is home to high-street favourites like H&M, River Island, New Look and Tommy Hilfiger.
Paul Street Shopping Centre
Just a few minutes from Opera Lane lies Paul Street Shopping Centre, where you’ll find a mix of high-street brands and independent businesses. From fashion and cosmetics to groceries and electronics, it covers all bases in a no-frills kind of way.
Cork: a student city
With a wealth of exciting, budget-friendly things to do in Cork, you couldn’t ask for much more from a student city. Whatever you’re into, rest assured that you’re in the right place to get the most out of your university experience.
All that remains is to choose what to study and where to stay! For further inspiration, check out our comprehensive guide on colleges and universities in Cork and explore our range of student accommodation in the city.
More on student life in Cork...
More on student life in Cork...
Cork’s big student discounts!
Student life is known for being a bit of a financial challenge. Not only do you have to pay for food and essentials like toilet roll, but you also have to have enough money to go out and socialise with friends.
Cork's Best Study Spots
Cork’s world-class college has some of the best facilities available to students. But with a student population of more than 25,000, it can be a bit tricky getting a seat in the library when it comes time to hit the books
Cork's Hidden Gems
Cork is a popular choice for students who are looking for somewhere new to call home throughout their studies. You might wonder why people who want to experience city life head here instead of the country’s capital, Dublin.
A student’s guide
Things to do in Cork
Festivals, medieval monuments and a vibrant foodie scene – there's so much to do and see in Cork. Get to know the city with our complete student’s guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cork known for?
Known as Ireland’s ‘Rebel City’, Cork has a rich history that can be explored through stunningly preserved monuments like Blarney Castle. It’s also lauded as Ireland’s culinary capital, with the city packed with lively pubs and the English Market a must visit for foodies.
What are some cheap things to do in Cork?
Many of Cork’s top attractions are completely free, which is great news for students. These include Crawford Municipal Art Gallery and Cork Public Museum. You can also catch live street performances during Cork Jazz Festival and Cork Midsummer Festival without paying a cent.
Where are the best places to eat in Cork?
When it comes to food in Cork, your first port of call should be the English Market. But if you’re looking for a sit-down meal in a restaurant setting, Paradiso, Market Lane, Liberty Grill, SpitJack, Bunsen and Son of a Bun are our top recommendations.